1876 $3, CAM PR(PCGS#88040)

Summer 2025 Global Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

3263

等级

PR62CAM

价格

359,892

详细说明

The Mint produced no circulation strike three-dollar gold coins in 1876, a repeat of 1875, but it did step up Proof production in the later year in anticipation of increased demand associated with the United States Centennial celebration. Officially the Mint struck 45 Proof threes in 1876, 20 coins delivered on February 19 and an additional 25 specimens on June 13. Interestingly, however, two die marriages are known, with different die rotations also known for both varieties. John W. Dannreuther (2018) rightly concludes that this data points to at least four different striking periods, so it is likely that a few additional Proofs of this issue were prepared, either on other dates in 1876 and/or as restrikes sometime after that year. Again, this situation mirrors that of the Proof 1875 $3.<p>With a higher mintage, it is little wonder than the 1876 three-dollar gold piece is more plentiful than the 1875, which is also a Proof-only issue, but one with a reported mintage of just 20 coins. As with all classic U.S. Mint Proof gold coins, of course, the 1876 three is a major rarity in an absolute sense. Dannreuther accounts for only 32 to 40 survivors, evenly divided between the JD-1 and JD-2 die pairings. The JD-2 variety, represented here, is attributable by, among other diagnostics, die rust pits on the obverse at the letters LI in LIBERTY and the position of the bow tip at the base of the wreath to the right of the digit 7 in the date.<p>As pointed out in cataloging for many U.S. Mint Proof coins of this date that we have offered through the years, the desire for a special keepsake from the United States Centennial almost certainly resulted in some specimens finding their way into the hands of the general public as opposed to being purchased by dedicated numismatists. Many of the less fortunate survivors show obvious signs of mishandling on the part of early owners. This is more common with Proof silver coins of the year, their more affordable price point making them attractive for non-numismatists. The Floyd T. Starr Proof 1876 $3, however, is a strong candidate for a gold coin that initially went to a numismatically less sophisticated buyer. The surfaces show numerous handling marks, including scuffs in the left obverse field, light scratches on Liberty's portrait and in the reverse field along the top of the word DOLLARS, and several other tiny nicks and faint hairlines. Rich orange-gold color and strong field to device contrast still make for a visually appealing coin, and razor sharp strike detail is also a strong suit. Any offering for this Proof-only gold rarity from the three-dollar series is a significant one, and the Floyd T. Starr specimen will certainly draws strong bids from advanced gold collectors.